About Gay Unions

Posted by | Posted on 1:37 AM

By Barry Jones

The debate on gay marriages has been a very hot political topic for many years and because it is such a hot topic, the number of places that have come out publicly either for or against the subject is not surprising. While there are few states that allow gay or same-sex marriage, there are a few that are more liberal, allowing almost equal rights. Massachusetts is currently the only state in the United States that allows same-sex marriages. The state of Rhode Island is generous enough to recognize as legal, any same-sex marriage that is performed in Massachusetts, which is a major victory according to many same-sex supporters.

Elections of latter years have seen this as a very hot topic and with the White House stating publicly that marriage can only involve a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very slow to permit same-sex marriages. However, a few states have permitted same-sex civil unions, which is very similar to marriage.

These states are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont. The District of Columbia also recognizes same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has stated publicly that he will soon sign a bill giving the go-ahead to same-sex unions. This is a major advance for those who support the movement.

While many states have not given the green light to the same-sex issue, there are states that are sitting around discussing the issue. Many couples who are fighting for their rights have argued that there is absolutely no difference in the way they run their households compared to their heterosexual counterparts. They have also stated that while they may be with a partner who is the same sex as them, they do still love their partner and should have the legal right to get married too.

This has always been a contentious topic, and likely will continue to be a hot issue for many years to come. With the issues raging within the states and at the national level, it will probably be a very long time before the gay and lesbian rights groups are able to truly declare a victory for their cause. Nevertheless, there is some solace to be taken in the small triumphs as they occur, and another Governor of a state being willing to allow a civil union is at least a move in the direction of victory.

However, the fact remains that the views of the individual states tend to reflect the views of the President. With a President in office who is a staunch opponent of same-sex marriage as well as civil union, it is unlikely to allow much room for many victories until a more accommodating, or rather liberal, President is in the White House. Time will tell what President Obama's views are.

After the bill has passed through all the channels of state, it will go into effect as early as the next year for the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently. Each state that gives this right to its residents opens the door to more states to become more tolerant. Finally, this paves the way for America to join most of Europe in recognizing the legal inequalities of straight and gay couples nationwide.

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